When buying diamonds you should always look at the 4 C’s: colour, carat, cut and quality. There’s, however, sometimes a fifth C mentioned: the diamond certificate. To prove the value and authenticity of your gems, you’ll need a certificate of a trusted institution. Especially when buying loose diamonds you’ll require a certificate if you intend on selling your diamonds at their full value at a later time.

Diamonds, not jewellery, are certified

When buying diamond jewellery you have to remember that it isn’t the rings, earrings or pendants that are certified, but rather the diamonds within. So when buying diamond jewellery online or instore, be sure to remember to check if a certificate is provided, if they’re not you should proceed with extreme caution.

The value of a certificate

When buying jewellery a certificate is important, but it’s a certificate of a trusted institution that has true value. McGuire Diamonds loose diamonds come with a GIA certificate, gemological institute of America, or HRD certificate from the Diamond High Council Antwerp. BEWARE of all other certificates as overgrading on an inferior certificate is misleading the customer.